A transmission fluid change costs $193 to $640 in 2026
A transmission fluid change costs $193 to $640 in 2026 for common cars, per RepairPal. Its national average is $294 to $356. Labor is about $131 to $192 and parts are about $163. MechanicBase says a change costs $95 to $400 on average, and $150 to $400 at a dealer or small shop. KBB puts a 2025 Ford Escape transmission fluid change at $345 to $407 at a dealer, with $155 to $183 for parts and $190 to $224 for labor.
Transmission fluid change cost by car
RepairPal lists these ranges for the most common cars. Your year and engine move the price inside each range.
| Car | Price, parts and labor |
|---|---|
| Ford F-150 | $548 to $640 |
| Toyota Camry | $254 to $328 |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | $193 to $223 |
How common cars compare
Against the middle of the RepairPal national average, $325, the Ford F-150 runs about 83 percent more; the Toyota Camry runs about 10 percent less; the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 runs about 36 percent less. The gap comes from where the part sits, how long it takes to reach, and the price of the part for that car.
What price guides say
We checked 4 price guides. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| RepairPal | National average $294 to $356. Labor is about $131 to $192 and parts are about $163. |
| MechanicBase | MechanicBase says a change costs $95 to $400 on average, and $150 to $400 at a dealer or small shop. |
| Kelley Blue Book | KBB puts a 2025 Ford Escape transmission fluid change at $345 to $407 at a dealer, with $155 to $183 for parts and $190 to $224 for labor. |
| Jerry | Jerry says the average is $221 to $264, with $27 to $66 for parts and $99 to $126 for labor. |
What pushes the quote up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Fluid type | Some cars need a special fluid. It costs much more than basic fluid. |
| Drain or flush | A drain and fill swaps part of the fluid. A flush swaps more and costs more. |
| Filter and pan gasket | Some jobs add a new filter and gasket. That adds parts and time. |
| Amount of fluid | Larger trucks and some cars hold many quarts. |
| Transmission type | Automatic, CVT, and dual clutch units each need their own fluid and process. |
How to tell you need it
- Shifts feel rough, late, or slip.
- The fluid on the dipstick is dark, brown, or smells burnt.
- A shop checks the fluid and finds metal flakes or burnt smell.
What the price includes
The price includes the new transmission fluid and the labor to drain and refill it. A filter, a gasket, or a flush may be extra. It does not include tax, shop supply fees, or other repairs the shop finds while the car is in.
How to judge your quote
- Ask what fluid the maker calls for and if the quote uses it.
- Ask if it is a drain and fill or a full flush.
- Ask if a filter and pan gasket are included.
- Ask how many quarts the car takes and the price per quart.
- Compare the total with the range above: $193 to $640 for most cars.
Ways to pay less
- Follow your owner's manual schedule. Do not pay for extra flushes.
- Ask for a drain and fill if your maker does not call for a flush.
- Compare a quick lube shop with an independent shop and a dealer.
- Buy the right fluid yourself only if the shop allows it.
Dealer or independent shop
RepairPal puts labor for a transmission fluid change at $131 to $192. At the typical independent shop rate of about $140 an hour, that is about 1 hour of work. A dealer charging $200 an hour would bill about $231 for the same labor, and a $100 an hour shop about $115. Parts cost about the same anywhere, so the shop rate is where you can save. See what mechanics charge an hour.
Why this costs more in 2026
Shop labor now runs about $100 to $250 an hour. Many car parts are imported, and freight costs went up after the oil shock that began with the Iran war in February 2026. Steel, copper, aluminum and resin prices are up too, and they go into almost every part. Transmission fluid is made from synthetic base oil and special additives, and oil costs have pushed the price of specialty fluid up.
How we got these numbers
The national range, the labor and parts split and the prices by car come from RepairPal's transmission fluid change estimate, last updated September 3, 2026. We checked them against MechanicBase, Kelley Blue Book and Jerry, and read every number on the source page on October 7, 2026. These are planning ranges, not quotes. Your shop's written estimate is the real price.
Common questions
How much does a transmission fluid change cost?
RepairPal shows $294 to $356. Jerry says $221 to $264, and MechanicBase says $95 to $400. Cost depends on the car and the fluid.
Can I drive with old transmission fluid?
You can for a while. Old fluid can cause rough shifts and wear. Follow your owner's manual schedule.
How long does it take?
A drain and fill takes about one hour. A full flush can take a bit longer.
Can I do it myself?
MechanicBase says you can for well under $100 if you have the tools and skill. Using the wrong fluid can harm the car, so check your manual first.